‘Wickford Wintertime Wednesdays’ offer free train service for commuters

COMMUTERS will be able to travel from Wickford Junction Station to downtown Providence free during six Wednesdays this from Jan. 23 to Feb. 27 as part of 'Wickford Wintertime Wednesdays.' / PBN FILE PHOTO/BRIAN MCDONALD
COMMUTERS will be able to travel from Wickford Junction Station to downtown Providence free during six Wednesdays this from Jan. 23 to Feb. 27 as part of 'Wickford Wintertime Wednesdays.' / PBN FILE PHOTO/BRIAN MCDONALD

PROVIDENCE – As part of Wickford Wintertime Wednesdays, roundtrip train service from Wickford Juction Station in North Kingstown to Downtown Providence will be free on Wednesdays from Jan. 23 to Feb. 27.

“The expansion of commuter rail in Rhode Island is a key component in attracting business to our great state while providing existing businesses and employees a vital link to get to work,” Gov. Lincoln D. Chafee said in prepared remarks. “We hope people take advantage of this promotion and, once they see how easy and convenient it is, consider making commuter rail part of their daily routine.”

The free fares will be offered each Wednesday during the six-week promotional period until 3 p.m. Commuter rail service, provided by the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority, features 20 stops per day at Wickford Junction Monday through Friday, with connecting service at T.F. Green Airport.

The standard roundtrip fare from Wickford to Providence is $6.50 and parking usually costs $4 daily. Along with free roundtrip train service, commuters will also receive validated parking at the station for free.

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“For those uncomfortable driving on congested highways at rush hour, especially during snowy conditions, commuter rail is a perfect way to get where you need to go, and often at less cost than driving and parking in Providence,” R.I. Department of Transportation Director Michael P. Lewis said in a statement. “We have seen ridership grow at both T.F. Green and Wickford Junction stations and expect that more and more commuters will consider taking the train to work.”

Commuters interested in participating in Wickford Wintertime Wednesdays should visit the Wickford Junction website at www.wickfordjunction.com to download a registration form. Commuters should bring the form and their parking ticket to the second floor waiting area to receive their free roundtrip ticket and validated parking.

Wickford Wintertime Wednesdays are being funded by RIDOT through a partnership with Wickford Junction, the MBTA and the R.I. Public Transit Authority’s Commuter Resource R.I. program.

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